novelraw Chapter 230: We Must Try
Chapter 230: We Must Try
Ye Hongyu understood clearly in her heart.
They weren't seeking her opinion, but rather informing her.
Whether she agreed or not, their enforcement actions against Su Zhan would inevitably proceed.
What appeared to be discussion now was merely preserving the last shred of dignity for her as the dean of Vermilion Bird Academy and a powerful guardian of the border.
She knew she could no longer stop this overwhelming tide.
Individual strength was insignificant when facing the will of a nation.
Ye Hongyu could only say, "I... cannot bring myself to take action against my own student without any concrete evidence."
This sounded like a firm stance.
But the old foxes present immediately discerned the underlying message.
She was no longer strongly opposing, but rather focusing on the lack of evidence - this in itself was a compromise.She couldn't personally do it, but she could no longer prevent others from doing it.
The high-ranking official from the Aberrant Purge Division immediately responded, "Dean Ye shows great understanding of the greater good.
Since it's inconvenient for you to handle this personally, then let our Aberrant Purge Division take care of this matter.
I will notify Qin Bai to execute this, as he originally came from our division and has experience handling such affairs.
I believe that after this matter concludes, Qin Bai probably won't be able to stay at Vermilion Bird Academy anymore, or rather, he won't feel secure under your command.
Coincidentally, after the mission completes, he can be directly transferred back to the Aberrant Purge Division.
With Qin Bai gone, Dean Ye won't have to see what troubles you, and I trust you'll be pleased with this outcome."
Ye Hongyu remained silent for a moment before making a request, "...No problem, but give me one more week. This is the last bit of time I, as dean, can secure for that child."
This was a delaying tactic.
Everyone present were shrewd individuals - how could they not see that Ye Hongyu was stalling for time?
But seeing that she had already made substantial concessions, they didn't want to strain relationships too much at this moment.
After all, Ye Hongyu's strength and status were undeniable, and with external enemies present, internal high-level conflicts would benefit no one.
The elderly council member pondered briefly before speaking first, "Sigh, sooner or later makes no difference, but since Dean Ye has spoken, we naturally must grant this courtesy. One week it is."
A general from the Military Department added in a muffled voice, "Dean Ye, one week is acceptable, but during this week, you must keep close watch over him.
We've explained the stakes clearly to you - there absolutely cannot be any mishaps!"
"Rest assured, I understand perfectly well."
Ye Hongyu nodded solemnly and promised, "He remains within the academy. I won't let him leave."
Having received Ye Hongyu's clear commitment,
the various projections exchanged glances and said no more.
The holographic projections successively faded out.
The secret chamber contained only Ye Hongyu once again.
One week.
This was the final time she could secure for Su Zhan.
The secret chamber door slid open.
Ye Hongyu walked out.
She opened the door and gestured to Wang Mingyuan waiting outside.
Wang Mingyuan immediately followed her back into the office, and the spiritual energy soundproof barrier rose again.
"Dean, the meeting..."
Wang Mingyuan spoke urgently.
Ye Hongyu didn't conceal anything, briefly explaining the high-level meeting's decision and the one-week deadline to Wang Mingyuan.
"What? How could they..."
Wang Mingyuan felt as if struck by lightning.
Su Zhan was the student he had personally recruited. Although his identity was special, Wang Mingyuan had never considered endangering his life.
"There's no other way."
Ye Hongyu's voice carried a sense of powerlessness, "Previously only the two of us knew about this matter. Now, the Aberrant Purge Division, Military Department, Council, Supervision Department... almost all high-level authorities know.
With external enemies present, Daxia's internal leadership cannot tolerate even the slightest conflict. The minority yields to the majority - that's the rule.
My strength and status aren't sufficient to oppose the entire high-level consensus for the sake of one student.
If I had forcibly broken relations today, the only ones who would rejoice would be the watchful Mist Creatures and the Transcendence Society that thrives on chaos.
This is a price we cannot afford."
Wang Mingyuan clenched his fists tightly, "Dean, is there truly no other way? I can't just watch Su Zhan..."
His thoughts were practically written on his face.
He had to send Su Zhan away.
As long as Ye Hongyu didn't personally take action, even if the high-level authorities knew, they wouldn't completely break relations to maintain surface harmony.
Then the person who had to take this risk could only be Wang Mingyuan himself!
Ye Hongyu seemed to see through his thoughts and said slowly, "I know what you're thinking. If you want to do it, then go ahead."
A glimmer of hope ignited in Wang Mingyuan's eyes.
"But..."
Ye Hongyu continued, "Regarding this matter, I cannot offer you any assistance, whether openly or covertly. Everything depends entirely on yourself.
Moreover...
Qin Bai has probably already received instructions from the Aberrant Purge Division by now.
During this week, he will definitely keep Su Zhan under tight surveillance, waiting for the week's deadline. You need to spirit him away right under Qin Bai's nose."
Wang Mingyuan's heart instantly sank.
Qin Bai, Abyss Realm peak.
While he himself was only Tide Realm fifth stage.
There was a gap of one and a half major realms between them - the difference in strength was like an insurmountable chasm!
Under Qin Bai's surveillance,
the chances of quietly sending Su Zhan away were minuscule. Once discovered, he himself would face utter ruin!
Immense pressure enveloped Wang Mingyuan.
But...
This child Su Zhan had already suffered too much hardship in life.
Su Zhan was his student.
He was the one who had brought Su Zhan to Vermilion Bird Academy, so he had to enable Su Zhan to leave.
Even if the hope was slim, he absolutely had to try!
...
Meanwhile.
As Su Zhan had anticipated,
because of Qin Bai, he found it utterly impossible to sleep peacefully.
He felt no trace of drowsiness.
His mind was completely occupied with finding solutions.
"I must find a way... there must be a path..."
Su Zhan screamed silently in his heart.
Force his way out?
Impossible - the academy was heavily guarded, and he himself was a key surveillance target.
Disguise? How could he deceive Qin Bai and the Supervision Department?
Seek help?
Teacher Wang might help him, but could he oppose the entire high-level will and Qin Bai's surveillance?
Moreover, he didn't want to implicate Teacher Wang.
One idea after another surfaced, only to be ruthlessly crushed by reason.
Was this really the only way?
Was it still impossible?
This night was destined to be a sleepless one.